Pulsar: Anduril’s New Frontier in Drone Defense

A Game Changer in Electromagnetic Warfare

Anduril Industries has rolled out its latest innovation in defense technology—a suite of AI-powered electronic warfare (EW) systems known as Pulsar. Designed to address both current and emerging threats, Pulsar stands out for its modular design and multi-mission capabilities. The system can reportedly be mounted on vehicles or drones, showcasing its adaptability in different operational contexts.

The Rapid Evolution of Drone Warfare

The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights the escalating drone-counter drone tactics, emphasizing the need for advanced EW solutions. In this high-stakes environment, adversaries are constantly enhancing their tactics, necessitating a dynamic and responsive EW system. Anduril’s Pulsar promises just that—rapid identification and neutralization of threats, particularly targeting small to medium-sized drones.

Real-Time Adaptation Is Key

The heart of Pulsar’s effectiveness lies in its ability to adapt in real-time.

“The next generation of EW systems must enable real-time understanding of the spectrum and provide rapid delivery of effective countermeasures against known and new threats across domains and modalities,” Anduril emphasizes.

This capacity for quick adaptation ensures that Pulsar remains relevant and effective amidst the fast-paced evolution of warfare technology.

Inside Pulsar’s Technology

Pulsar integrates a software-defined radio, a graphics processing unit, and diverse computing capabilities. This setup facilitates Radio Frequency Machine Learning (RFML), allowing the system to swiftly recognize and adjust to emerging threats. With functionalities that span electronic countermeasures, electronic support, and advanced directional capabilities, Pulsar’s design is inherently flexible, suitable for deployment in ground vehicles (Pulsar-V) or aircraft (Pulsar-A).

The Impact on Modern Warfare

According to Sam El-Akkad, General Manager of RF/EW Systems at Anduril, “Built to survive and win in highly-congested and contested electromagnetic environments, Pulsar enables warfighters to counter state and non-state actors employing EW capabilities integrated with other advanced technological systems.”

This capability makes Pulsar an indispensable tool in modern combat scenarios, ensuring operational superiority in electromagnetic and cyberspace domains.

Pulsar’s Role in Future Conflicts

As drone technology and electronic warfare continue to advance, systems like Pulsar are critical for maintaining security and operational effectiveness. Anduril’s commitment to innovation and adaptability with Pulsar marks a significant step forward in defense technology, poised to make a substantial impact in areas plagued by the most sophisticated threats. With its ability to quickly adapt and counter complex electronic threats, Pulsar is set to be a cornerstone in the defense against the drones of tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of Anduril Industries.